The Best Compact Rowing Machines for Small Spaces in 2025 – Breaking Muscle

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If you’re limited on space, don’t let the length of a rowing machine deter you. While there are many great rowing machines on the market, there are also some awesome compact alternatives that offer all the same tech features you’ll find in other cardio machines. 

During our search for the best compact rowing machine, we found an array of excellent standalone options and options that fit in well with other top-rated home gym equipment. We considered the overall footprint and other key features, and scoured the reviews to see what users had to say about each product. Below is our list of the best compact home rowing machines available.

How We Chose the Best Compact Rowing Machines

The rowing machines included in this list were carefully selected based on what most users would want out of a rowing machine, keeping in mind that they needed to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage options. We evaluated each choice based on size, portability, cost, high-tech features, versatility, and durability. We also scoured the reviews to see what users had to say about each rowing machine.

• Best Overall Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave
• Best Compact Rowing Machine With Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW700
• Best Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro R10
• Best Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Training: Echelon Row-s
• Best Value Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600

Best Overall Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave

On the Hydrow website, the Hydrow Wave is rated 4.6/5 stars with over 9,000 reviews at the time of writing. It’s the brand’s compact, budget-friendly option for those who want to elevate their at-home workout routine. The length is just 80 inches, which is the shortest on this list, and the overall size is 30 percent shorter than the original Hydrow Rower. You cannot fold it, but there is the option to store it upright using The Hydrow Wave Vertical Anchor. This is a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It costs an additional $190, which is a bit on the pricey side.

The frame is made of aluminum and steel. It has a flat anthracite polymer body, which is a durable and lightweight material. The handle has an ergonomic design for a low-stress grip, and the strap is made from water- and rot-resistant polyester webbing. It also has a patented electromagnetic drag system that mimics the experience of rowing on open water.

Overall, the reviews on the Hydrow website are positive, and many mention how quiet the machine is and how much they like the small footprint. One review says, “The machine is such great quality. It’s quiet and sleek looking.” The critical reviews make up 3 percent of the overall reviews and state issues like non-working parts being delivered. However, Hydrow has responded to each review to resolve any issues.

Best Compact Rowing Machine With Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW700

The NordicTrack RW700 has a 10-inch HD touchscreen you can tilt and pivot to follow along with an iFIT workout led by your favorite trainer on or off the rower. An iFIT subscription is $39 per month, and you’ll have access to live and on-demand classes. Membership to the fitness app is not required to use the rower; however, you won’t have access to trainer-led classes without it.

A trainer-led rowing workout gives you the option to row on the open water for a more scenic experience, and there are also studio sessions. The resistance is adjusted automatically among 26 resistance levels during each class, so you don’t need to worry about stopping to make changes. The oversized foot pedals have adjustable nylon foot straps with quick release, which is excellent for those who want to incorporate movements off the rower into their workout.

The rail is 87 inches long and made from durable steel. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it should maintain a smooth rotation. If you have a shared space, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates tension against the flywheel without touching, making it a quieter option. After your workout, this magnetic rowing machine can be moved using the front wheels, but it can’t be folded.

Best Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro R10

The ProForm Pro R10 can collapse into a more compact size by lifting the handle, and the front-mounted transport wheels make it easy to move. It comes equipped with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you can use for iFIT workouts if you choose to subscribe, or you can track your watts, calories burned, time, strokes, and distance in the manual mode. There are 24 resistance levels to choose from, and your workout intensity is adjusted using the brand’s trademarked Silent Magnetic Resistance system. This gives the user the option to have a more cardio- or strength-focused workout.

The flywheel has been designed to maintain inertia and rotate smoothly, and the steel rail is oversized to help keep you stable. The large, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps keep your feet in place, and the seat is molded with comfort in mind.

Best Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Training: Echelon Row-s

If you like to incorporate other movements into your rowing workout or train off of the rower, the Echelon Row-s has a 22-inch HD touchscreen that can be flipped 180 degrees. While an Echelon Fit subscription is not required, the extra $35/month workout app gives you access to over 40 live classes and more than 1,000 on-demand workouts from its library, including rowing, biking, running, and functional training classes.

The ergonomic design of the seat and the ability to adjust the foot platforms to a comfortable position help you maintain proper posture and alignment. If you’re short on space, the length goes from 84 inches long to just 41 inches long when folded. On the Echelon website, this rower is rated 4.6/5 stars. “The machine looks great, operates very quietly, and gives a great workout no matter your level,” says reviewer Brett P.

Best Value Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600

The NordicTrack RW600 balances great tech features and an accessible price, making it a great value. The 10-inch screen is an excellent option for those who want to take instructor-led classes using an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance can be adjusted up to 26 levels automatically in an iFIT class or manually as needed.

The pivoting foot pedals are oversized, and the nylon straps keep your feet secure. The handlebar has a soft grip, and the molded seat is designed to help you feel comfortable. When your workout is finished, the NordicTrack RW600 can be folded and stored out of the way.

How to Choose the Best Compact Rowing Machine for You

What factors should you consider before you pull the trigger on a rower? Here’s what we’d recommend you take into account as you ponder your purchase decision:

Footprint

Once you’ve decided on your rower location, it’s a good idea to measure the length, width, and height of your space to determine what size machine works best. You’ll want to measure height to see if you have enough clearance for rowers to be stored upright.

Budget

After measuring, think about how much you’re willing to spend. Take into consideration any additional costs such as a monthly subscription. Some rowers also have add-ons for purchase, such as a lumbar support system or seat upgrade.

Features

Ask yourself: How many levels of resistance do I need? Am I looking for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led classes or do I prefer a more simplistic display? Other features such as a magnetic resistance system may be important if you’re in a shared space and need a quieter machine. The rower’s maximum height and/or weight capacity may also play a role in your decision as well.

Benefits of a Rowing Workout

Rowing allows you to implement low-impact, cardio-based training, and you can adjust the resistance for a strength-focused session. It’s a full-body workout that uses 86 percent of your muscles. With each stroke, you’re using your core and legs for the initial pull and finishing the rowing movement by using your upper body. Since you’re in a seated position, there’s less pressure on your knee and ankle joints.

Getting all four types of exercise (endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility) has benefits, according to The National Institute of Health (NIH). A rowing machine can be utilized for two types: endurance and strength. Many rowing machines have built-in programs or subscriptions that offer classes geared toward building strength and endurance.

Final Thoughts

Rowing is a great way to build strength and endurance while working various muscle groups. There are choices to suit a variety of budgets with different storage options and sizes. Figuring out how much space you have, your price range and the features you’d like will help you choose the best compact rowing machine for you.

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